Florence Itinerary - Again, I've done my homework, but need fine tuning.
Feb 24th, 2013, 10:40 AM
#21
>>>Spend about an hour at the tower. Bus/Train to Florence in time to arrive at apartment by 8:30 pm.<<<
You do know these trains can take anywhere from 55 minutes to 1 1/2 hours (depending on train and departure time). You have to allow time to retrieve your luggage (there can be lines to check and retrieve) and once you get to Florence, transport to your apartment. I think you would be lucky to get to the tower by 5:30 or 6. I don't see you having an hour of time there and still make your apartment appointment.
Arrive Pisa 4:15
Collect luggage 5:00 ?
Buy train tickets to Centrale
Catch train - may have to wait 30 minutes as only 2 departures per hour.
Check luggage at Centrale 5:30
Buy tickets to tower or walk (15-30 minutes)
As you can see, you don't have the time you think unless your luggage comes out immediately (possible if it's local flight, not possible if you are arriving from the states).
You do know these trains can take anywhere from 55 minutes to 1 1/2 hours (depending on train and departure time). You have to allow time to retrieve your luggage (there can be lines to check and retrieve) and once you get to Florence, transport to your apartment. I think you would be lucky to get to the tower by 5:30 or 6. I don't see you having an hour of time there and still make your apartment appointment.
Arrive Pisa 4:15
Collect luggage 5:00 ?
Buy train tickets to Centrale
Catch train - may have to wait 30 minutes as only 2 departures per hour.
Check luggage at Centrale 5:30
Buy tickets to tower or walk (15-30 minutes)
As you can see, you don't have the time you think unless your luggage comes out immediately (possible if it's local flight, not possible if you are arriving from the states).
Feb 24th, 2013, 11:56 AM
#22
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<<<My daughter loves Dante, so this is a "don't miss.">>>
Then she might want to add this as a "don't miss".
It's a literal 'stone's throw' from Dante's House.
This very small church is where Beatrice is buried and possibly where Dante married.
The author of the article below says her tomb might be a myth.
I don't know but what strikes me as odd is that "several members of her family and her wet-nurse are also buried in the church?
Alot of trouble to go thru by the church just to fake a single person's tomb?
I did a quick google and it *seems* that others that mention this myth/legend post-date that 2010 article?
I have no idea in the last dozen years when I wrote this in my 'Blueguide Florence' (If I come across something by other sources or documentries I usually grab my Blueguide for that city or Oxford Archaeological guide and note it).
Anyway I wrote that Beatrice was buried in that church's courtyard.
Whether that is the actual place or later her and her families remains were moved into the church for the fame I don't recall?
Anyway if interested in that site google "Santa Margherita de Cerchi" for more info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_M...de'_Cerchi
Article with opening times;
http://www.theflorentine.net/article...ssuetocId=5236
Beatrice's Tomb;
http://tinyurl.com/abofnsc IS THIS
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_24LneCVKTe...ePortinari.jpg
With "Dante's House" on your left (I *believe* that's were the entrance is?) and the Via Dante Alighieri behind you, this small church will be on the right a short distance down that short sidestreet.
The Science Museum for me was a biggie mainly for the lens Galileo used when he discovered the moons of Jupiter.
This turned the World upsidedown and showed that we on Earth weren't special and were just another planet.
Probably the greatest discovery in astronomy?
Plus his finger and other things he actually used are on display.
Then she might want to add this as a "don't miss".
It's a literal 'stone's throw' from Dante's House.
This very small church is where Beatrice is buried and possibly where Dante married.
The author of the article below says her tomb might be a myth.
I don't know but what strikes me as odd is that "several members of her family and her wet-nurse are also buried in the church?
Alot of trouble to go thru by the church just to fake a single person's tomb?
I did a quick google and it *seems* that others that mention this myth/legend post-date that 2010 article?
I have no idea in the last dozen years when I wrote this in my 'Blueguide Florence' (If I come across something by other sources or documentries I usually grab my Blueguide for that city or Oxford Archaeological guide and note it).
Anyway I wrote that Beatrice was buried in that church's courtyard.
Whether that is the actual place or later her and her families remains were moved into the church for the fame I don't recall?
Anyway if interested in that site google "Santa Margherita de Cerchi" for more info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_M...de'_Cerchi
Article with opening times;
http://www.theflorentine.net/article...ssuetocId=5236
Beatrice's Tomb;
http://tinyurl.com/abofnsc IS THIS
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_24LneCVKTe...ePortinari.jpg
With "Dante's House" on your left (I *believe* that's were the entrance is?) and the Via Dante Alighieri behind you, this small church will be on the right a short distance down that short sidestreet.
The Science Museum for me was a biggie mainly for the lens Galileo used when he discovered the moons of Jupiter.
This turned the World upsidedown and showed that we on Earth weren't special and were just another planet.
Probably the greatest discovery in astronomy?
Plus his finger and other things he actually used are on display.
Feb 24th, 2013, 11:57 AM
#23
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Annhig - The apt. is in piazza della signoria. I am familiar with the google map feature, but was hoping to get a recommendation for something open on a Saturday evening. The time of day is where I expect I may run into a problem. I didn't pay too much attention to location when laying out our plans as Florence Center seemed to be very small, but you're modifications are much appreciated. When you're doing that much sight-seeing, there's no need to add extra miles to the feet if you don't have to! Thank you for the suggestions.
kybourbon: I do know how long the trains will take, and I realize that it will be close. I wanted to get feedback to see if it was doable. I think I may resort to getting a taxi from airport to tower, have it wait, and then take us to Centrale. Wish I knew the approximate cost for that. Still undecided . . . It is an EasyJet flight, and that's why the luggage is checked. Apparently, they will count my PURSE as a carry on.
Very unfortunate to have to check bags. I never do.
kybourbon: I do know how long the trains will take, and I realize that it will be close. I wanted to get feedback to see if it was doable. I think I may resort to getting a taxi from airport to tower, have it wait, and then take us to Centrale. Wish I knew the approximate cost for that. Still undecided . . . It is an EasyJet flight, and that's why the luggage is checked. Apparently, they will count my PURSE as a carry on.
Very unfortunate to have to check bags. I never do.
Feb 24th, 2013, 12:01 PM
#24
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Rostra - thank you for that information. It will be an easy add-on. I originally had us going to the Galileo Museum, but based on feedback, it looked like the trip was a bit tight. My daughter is an engineer, as well as a literature buff (unusual combination), so I thought she would enjoy the science. We will still try to see it if time permits.
Feb 24th, 2013, 12:37 PM
#25
Darien - there is a supermarket "il centro" near the piazza della signoria in the borgo dei albizi. the website doesn't give opening hours so far as I can see, but it does say it's open EVERY sunday:
http://www.ilcentro.biz/
regarding the taxi fare, you could ask how much this would cost when you approach the driver; if language problems make that impossible, I'd reckon on €50 more or less. However, if you want to CLIMB the tower it gets more complicated as you have to book - see www.opapisa.it. I agree with other posters that you are going to be very pushed to do this AND to get to Florence in time to avoid extra costs in your apartment.
you are right about luggage on easyjet - you may not board the plane with more than one item of hand-luggage which has to conform with the dimensions on their website and to fit into their measure at the gate. so if you have a handbag [what you call your purse] as well as a piece of hand luggage with food, water, [purchased airside of course] book etc. the handbag will have to go into the hand-luggage between the gate and the plane. however, once you're on the plane, it really doesn't matter at all! you can also have a coat/jacket and duty free.
http://www.ilcentro.biz/
regarding the taxi fare, you could ask how much this would cost when you approach the driver; if language problems make that impossible, I'd reckon on €50 more or less. However, if you want to CLIMB the tower it gets more complicated as you have to book - see www.opapisa.it. I agree with other posters that you are going to be very pushed to do this AND to get to Florence in time to avoid extra costs in your apartment.
you are right about luggage on easyjet - you may not board the plane with more than one item of hand-luggage which has to conform with the dimensions on their website and to fit into their measure at the gate. so if you have a handbag [what you call your purse] as well as a piece of hand luggage with food, water, [purchased airside of course] book etc. the handbag will have to go into the hand-luggage between the gate and the plane. however, once you're on the plane, it really doesn't matter at all! you can also have a coat/jacket and duty free.
Feb 24th, 2013, 01:33 PM
#26
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Annhig - Thanks so much for that information. I wasn't having much luck. The hours are Mon – Sat. 9:00 to 20:45 and Sunday - 10:00 to 20:00. Another reason we may have to skip the Tower. And no, we weren't planning to climb it - just take a look and a picture. We will be doing plenty climbing of other landmarks during the trip.
Feb 24th, 2013, 02:00 PM
#27
glad you found the opening hours, darien.
is/can your host supplying you with some staples to start you off? presumably you'll eat out when you get there, and you'll find cafes for breakfast, even on a sunday, by when the supermercato should be open.
is/can your host supplying you with some staples to start you off? presumably you'll eat out when you get there, and you'll find cafes for breakfast, even on a sunday, by when the supermercato should be open.
Feb 24th, 2013, 03:03 PM
#28
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I hope that they will be able to have a few "starters" for us. I've gone through an agency, but I do have the owner's contact information. When it gets closer to the time, I will call and see what kind of arrangements I can make regarding staples. I don't really know what is the "usual" practice, and I don't want to offend or request something that might seem unreasonable or taken as though I want them to do my shopping and pay for it. The language barrier can present things out of context. Advice?
Feb 24th, 2013, 05:40 PM
#29
>>>I think I may resort to getting a taxi from airport to tower, have it wait, and then take us to Centrale.<<<
If you decide not to check luggage at Centrale, you could take the bus from the airport (departs every 10 minutes) to the tower (Red LAM). Get off there and take your pictures, catch a bus to Centrale to get the train. This is the bus route.
http://www.cpt.pisa.it/orari/pisa/percorso01.htm
There's also luggage storage at the airport and a bus to Florence.
http://www.pisa-airport.com/aeroporto_di_pisa_85.html
http://www.terravision.eu/florence_pisa.html
If you decide not to check luggage at Centrale, you could take the bus from the airport (departs every 10 minutes) to the tower (Red LAM). Get off there and take your pictures, catch a bus to Centrale to get the train. This is the bus route.
http://www.cpt.pisa.it/orari/pisa/percorso01.htm
There's also luggage storage at the airport and a bus to Florence.
http://www.pisa-airport.com/aeroporto_di_pisa_85.html
http://www.terravision.eu/florence_pisa.html
Feb 24th, 2013, 06:32 PM
#30
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<<<My daughter is an engineer, as well as a literature buff (unusual combination), so I thought she would enjoy the science. We will still try to see it if time permits.>>>
Just a thought and I understand your time constraints but perhaps some of the antique scientific instruments there are in your daughter's field?
It would just be a shame too miss if some modern gizmo she uses in her engineering work had its 500yr old original there.
"...the museum has on display about 1,500 scientific instruments, both Italian and foreign, some dating from the 11th century, contained in 21 rooms on two floors."
A large part of the collection dates to the 1500's and was from the Medici private collection.
http://www.theflorentine.net/article...ssuetocId=1306
Just a thought and I understand your time constraints but perhaps some of the antique scientific instruments there are in your daughter's field?
It would just be a shame too miss if some modern gizmo she uses in her engineering work had its 500yr old original there.
"...the museum has on display about 1,500 scientific instruments, both Italian and foreign, some dating from the 11th century, contained in 21 rooms on two floors."
A large part of the collection dates to the 1500's and was from the Medici private collection.
http://www.theflorentine.net/article...ssuetocId=1306
Feb 24th, 2013, 07:11 PM
#31
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kybourbon - TY for pointing out the other Pisa possibilities. Perhaps it would be faster to store luggage at the airport, then come back to the airport and take the bus to Florence. Seeing things "on the fly" is not really my travel style, thus this has become the "sore" spot of the trip. Unfortunately, the choice is either to see the Tower quickly, or not see it at all. This certainly is not the ideal way to visit a place. There is a 6:30 bus that arrives Florence at 7:30, giving us 2 hours to claim and store luggage, taxi to tower, see tower, taxi back and claim luggage again. Still very tight. It may be more prudent to just pass.
Rostra - We would definitely love to see the science museum if time permits. I realize length of time spent in a museum is subjective, but how long would you allow to get a nice overview and hit the high points of the Galileo?
Rostra - We would definitely love to see the science museum if time permits. I realize length of time spent in a museum is subjective, but how long would you allow to get a nice overview and hit the high points of the Galileo?
Feb 25th, 2013, 05:07 AM
#32
I don't really know what is the "usual" practice, and I don't want to offend or request something that might seem unreasonable or taken as though I want them to do my shopping and pay for it. The language barrier can present things out of context. Advice?>>
I would expect coffee, tea [possibly], milk, bread, butter and jam as a minimum. sometimes we've had less than that, sometimes a whole fridge-full!
I suggest e-mailing the agent to see what the normal form is, and if they don't supply anything, e-mail the owner [gets round the language barrier as even if they don't speak english, someone will] and ask them to get in whatever staples you need, and say that you will re-imburse them when you arrive and get the key. or you could do that via the agent.
being in Rome this last week reminded me that the first night we arrived, we went out of our apartment without any milk, and in our excitement to be in Rome, forgot about it until after dinner. we asked at several places, and they all said they didn't have any, but we could buy some from a cafe in a nearby square. I was pretty sceptical about this, but when we found it, and went in and said we'd been told they sold milk, it turned out they did!
I'm sure you'd find somewhere, even if not exactly the place you'd expect, to buy some essentials.
I would expect coffee, tea [possibly], milk, bread, butter and jam as a minimum. sometimes we've had less than that, sometimes a whole fridge-full!
I suggest e-mailing the agent to see what the normal form is, and if they don't supply anything, e-mail the owner [gets round the language barrier as even if they don't speak english, someone will] and ask them to get in whatever staples you need, and say that you will re-imburse them when you arrive and get the key. or you could do that via the agent.
being in Rome this last week reminded me that the first night we arrived, we went out of our apartment without any milk, and in our excitement to be in Rome, forgot about it until after dinner. we asked at several places, and they all said they didn't have any, but we could buy some from a cafe in a nearby square. I was pretty sceptical about this, but when we found it, and went in and said we'd been told they sold milk, it turned out they did!
I'm sure you'd find somewhere, even if not exactly the place you'd expect, to buy some essentials.
Feb 25th, 2013, 06:15 AM
#33
My last apartment in Florence had bread, butter,jam, juice, prosciutto and tea (no coffee)furnished for the first morning only.
Even if grocery stores aren't open, you will find some small convenience type stores that will have a few things. There's also a supermarket open untile 8:30 in the train station shops (there are shops train level and underground).
http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/i...003f16f90aRCRD
Even if grocery stores aren't open, you will find some small convenience type stores that will have a few things. There's also a supermarket open untile 8:30 in the train station shops (there are shops train level and underground).
http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/i...003f16f90aRCRD
Feb 25th, 2013, 04:04 PM
#34
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Thank you for the ideas, Annhig! I just emailed the agency and requested the email of the owner as they had only provided a phone number.
kyb- Thank you - that link is great! It would not have occurred to me that a supermarket would be in the train station. That will definitely solve the problem of providing for our immediate needs! We will only have a 21" case and backpack/cross-body each, so we were planning to walk to the apartment. However, with supermarket purchases, maybe a taxi from the station would be best (and faster too IF we try to cram in the Tower!).
kyb- Thank you - that link is great! It would not have occurred to me that a supermarket would be in the train station. That will definitely solve the problem of providing for our immediate needs! We will only have a 21" case and backpack/cross-body each, so we were planning to walk to the apartment. However, with supermarket purchases, maybe a taxi from the station would be best (and faster too IF we try to cram in the Tower!).
Feb 25th, 2013, 06:55 PM
#35
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Thank you for those suggestions Annhig. I've emailed the agency, and hopefully they will send me the email address of the owner.
kyb - It would have never occurred to me to check the train station for a supermarket. Thank you SOOO much for posting the link. This will definitely make things easier for the first night. We'll have our luggage, so with the extra shopping bags, we will probably have to take a taxi, but they should be easy to find in front of the station.
kyb - It would have never occurred to me to check the train station for a supermarket. Thank you SOOO much for posting the link. This will definitely make things easier for the first night. We'll have our luggage, so with the extra shopping bags, we will probably have to take a taxi, but they should be easy to find in front of the station.
Feb 26th, 2013, 02:11 AM
#38
yes, there is a VERY nice cafe just under the top wall of the Piazzale. i sat there and drank in the view [and a beer] while a japanese bride was being photographed - it was quite windy so watching her trying to maintain her "dignity" was a lot of fun.
there's also another one which sells gelati round the other side of the piazzale at the bottom of the road that leads up to San Miniato just above the rose garden - which is actually marked on google maps.
there's also another one which sells gelati round the other side of the piazzale at the bottom of the road that leads up to San Miniato just above the rose garden - which is actually marked on google maps.
Feb 26th, 2013, 11:18 AM
#39
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<<<We would definitely love to see the science museum if time permits.>>>
Hopefully you don't think I'm being pushy on this issue
it's just that when you mentioned your daughter was an engineer I thought perhaps that might be another good reason to try and visit it.
But it is also possible that none of the ancient instruments are in her field.
<<<I realize length of time spent in a museum is subjective, but how long would you allow to get a nice overview and hit the high points of the Galileo?>>>
A decade ago I spent a week in Florence (Rome's history is more my thing) so I had the time to see everything in the museum.
But I only really remember the Galileo exhibit who has interested since I did a report in middle school (~1968).
So for *me* I would pay the 8e walk into the museum and spend 15min just seeing, the lens he used to discover the moons of Jupiter, his 2 telescopes, compasses, his finger and loadstone and then leave if I had time constraints.
Everything except the 2 telescopes which are in the next room (V) is in 1 large display case in room IV.
Hopefully you don't think I'm being pushy on this issue
it's just that when you mentioned your daughter was an engineer I thought perhaps that might be another good reason to try and visit it.But it is also possible that none of the ancient instruments are in her field.
<<<I realize length of time spent in a museum is subjective, but how long would you allow to get a nice overview and hit the high points of the Galileo?>>>
A decade ago I spent a week in Florence (Rome's history is more my thing) so I had the time to see everything in the museum.
But I only really remember the Galileo exhibit who has interested since I did a report in middle school (~1968).
So for *me* I would pay the 8e walk into the museum and spend 15min just seeing, the lens he used to discover the moons of Jupiter, his 2 telescopes, compasses, his finger and loadstone and then leave if I had time constraints.
Everything except the 2 telescopes which are in the next room (V) is in 1 large display case in room IV.
